This is a guest post from Julie Woodside, CBT who works at Bodywise Therapy .
Are you experiencing chronic pain? Discover the surprising benefits and effectiveness of Bowen therapy that you never knew existed. From pain relief to stress reduction, this holistic approach to healing could be the solution you've been looking for.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at what exactly Bowen therapy is, how it works, and the potential benefits it may provide. Get ready to discover a new approach to pain relief and overall wellness.

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What is Bowen Therapy?
Bowen therapy is a style of bodywork that uses a gentle ‘rolling’ motion at specific points to achieve deep resets of the body. It is a holistic modality, meaning it addresses the body as a whole, aiming to achieve both balance and healing by stimulating the body’s interconnected stimulus receptors and neuromuscular responses.
Called Bowen, Bowenwork, Bowen Therapy, Bowen Technique and/or Bowtech (and other combinations of healing and technical terms, but always referencing the creator, Tom Bowen) the modality is especially known for being a light-touch and non-invasive form of bodywork. It is generally done while the client is clothed, and can be done while laying, seated or standing. It is so gentle that it can be – and often is - done on babies, although it is appropriate to any age.
Principles of Bowen
Tom Bowen developed a unique form of working with the body through a deep understanding of anatomy. The basic principles he established for what has become Bowen Therapy centers on the body’s own innate wisdom and healing mechanisms. The therapy works on the level of the fascia (a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones and organs), influencing the whole body. Work is done over the entire body; even if only a specific area seems to present ‘an issue’, the therapist may perform Bowen ‘moves’ anywhere the issue might be reflected or echoed or connected. Bowen sees the body as a whole with all the parts entwined.
Along with the holistic and self-healing beliefs, Bowen work includes the ideas of ‘less is more,’ and of giving the body time to process the therapy even during the treatment itself. Bowen therapy ‘moves’ are done in concentrated groupings of touches, between which the client is left alone (without being touched) for time periods ranging from one minute to as many as ten minutes or more. These ‘breaks’ where the therapist is not touching the client is part and parcel of the treatment itself, allowing the body to initiate the healing reset requested of it through the precise touches given by the therapist.

Benefits
- Pain relief: many people seek Bowen therapy for pain relief, including musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, soft tissue pain, back, neck, jaw and joint pain, and headaches. The therapy helps release tensions in the body, which of itself can provide deep relief, but the releases can also stimulate alignment and resets of the physiology of the body.
- Stress reduction: the treatment itself can be deeply relaxing, as it asks the body to switch into a parasympathetic state, allowing for a period of rest and release.
- Improved range of motion: Bowen treatments can improve joint mobility and flexibility.
- Improved posture: release and realignment happen naturally as fascial and musculature issues resolve.
- Lymphatic drainage and detoxification: The gentle and non-invasive movements used in Bowen Therapy may stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to improve lymphatic circulation and remove toxins.
- Faster recovery from injuries: the gentle manipulations and stretches used in Bowen therapy can help release muscular tension, ease a trauma response, alleviate discomfort, and restore balance, all of which which may help speed up the healing process and reduce recovery time from injuries, surgeries or other traumas.
- Improved circulation: Bowen Therapy may help improve blood circulation, enhancing healing and general well-being.
- Better sleep: Many clients report improvements in sleep quality after Bowen treatments, possibly due to its relaxation-promoting effects.
- Balancing of the autonomous nervous system: Bowen Therapy is designed to switch the body from a stress response into the rest and healing parasympathetic nervous system, which can help with an overall sense of wellness and release.
- Support for general wellness: While Bowen Therapy is not a replacement for medical treatment, many people use it as part of their overall health and wellness routine to support their physical and emotional well-being.
Are there any disadvantages?
Bowen Therapy is not designed to diagnose, nor is it a replacement for medical treatment. It is a holistic and alternative modality for working with the healing systems of the body. As with any healing approach (allopathic or alternative), occasionally the healing process will elicit a temporary sensation of ‘worse before better’ response. While this is not unique to Bowen Therapy, and may or may not happen, it is a possibility that a good practitioner of Bowen Therapy will discuss with a client.
What happens after Bowen Therapy?
The practitioner will ask the client to stay hydrated, and to practice any self-care in the client’s normal health-promoting routines.
One of the unique aspects of Bowen Therapy is that it begins a healing process that may continue after the client leaves the session. To this end, Bowen practitioners often ask their clients to refrain from doing any other alternative healing modalities (such as massage or chiropractic adjustments, for example) for three to seven days after a Bowen treatment. This is to allow the Bowen treatment to have its full effect as the body continues the healing resets begun by the gentle movements of the therapy.
What to avoid after Bowen Therapy?
Aside from refraining from getting other treatments for several days after a Bowen treatment, the client may be asked to be gentle with their body for the rest of the day of treatment, to allow for the full integration of the therapeutic effects.
Cost
Bowen therapy is an alternative modality, with a great track record of testimonials and client satisfaction. Treatment by a trained and certified practitioner is recommended. Costs ranges are similar to other modalities, such as chiropractic, acupressure or massage, since overhead is similar for other professional alternative treatments not covered by insurance.
While some clients may experience immediate relief and improvement of their presenting issues after a Bowen Therapy session, others may require multiple sessions to experience their desired outcomes. Clients should have realistic expectations, understanding that healing takes time, whether the issue is acute or long-standing.
Conclusion
Bowen Therapy offers a unique and holistic approach to facilitating health and healing through precise movements, stretches and manipulations. It is gentle enough for babies, children, and adults of any age. It is known for its ‘less is more’ approach and for providing an environment where muscular and neurological releases can stimulate pain relief, a return to balance, and an easing of tensions.
Bowen Therapy continues to gain recognition for its effectiveness and versatility in addressing a wide range of issues, as well as it’s transformative powers in supporting individuals on their journey to optimal health.
Bowen Therapy is a complementary modality, and should not replace conventional medical treatment. Clients should not ignore medical advice or stop prescribed medications without the approval of their healthcare provider.
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Amy Mogavero
This is very informative Julie! It also sounds like Bowen therapy could happen in my home, which is always great for disabled patients like myself. Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Maks
Thanks
Very interesting
Archana
Such an informative article! Bowen therapy sounds gentle and extremely relaxing. Thank you for sharing this!
Anne
This is a fascinating article. I'd never heard of Bowen Therapy, and it gives me an alternative to massage or chiropratic.
Karen Reitz
This is a very informative article about Bowen Therapy.! I have chronic pain
and so am interested in this mode of treatment!
Lorna Knox
Thank you. It seems we often have to learn that less is more and a more subtle and gent le approach to healing can actually be very powerful. I wish you the best in your health journey and I'm sure this article will be helpful to many who are looking for ways to tune into their body's needs.
Laura McCutchen
Good to know about this accessible holistic approach.
Lynda Hoggan
Very well written. I am a chronic pain sufferer and am curious to try Bowen.
Melissa Lee
Love this article, thanks for all the info!
Valerie A Howell
I’ve always been curious about Bowen Therapy. Thank you for this well written informative article! Will share on Facebook!
Ann Sarli
Julie used this therapy on me years ago and I found it very helpful for combating fatigue.
Ann
Mark Paxson
I've never heard of his and now I want to try it!! I could use a little stress reduction, relaxation, and some of the other benefits described.
Excellent article explaining what the therapy is.